Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Treatment and Precautions

Become skilled at detecting if you or child has conjunctivitis. Learn how to alleviate some of the symptoms of conjunctivitis. Find out how you can prevent yourself or your child from getting infected with conjunctivitis.

How Do I Know That I Have Conjunctivitis?

Symptoms – A combination of some or all of these symptoms will be present in one or both eyes.
1. Redness
2. Burning, itching or scratchy feeling
3. Sensitivity to light
4. Swelling of the lids
5. Discharge (water or pus like)
6.Tearing

What Do I Do When I Get Conjunctivitis:

1. To alleviate the pain and irritation, apply cool compresses to the infected eye(s) at least 3-4 times throughout the day. Make sure to use a clean washcloth for each application.
2. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Wash them before you use medicine for your eyes, after you use medicine for your eyes and every time you touch your eyes or face.
3. Use a clean pillowcase every night. Wash any clothes, towels or bedding that have come in contact with the infected eye(s).
4. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes even if they are itchy. If only one eye is infected, be very careful not to touch it because the infection could spread to the good eye.
5. Stop using eye make-up until the infection is completely cured. Dispose of eye make-up if infection is caused by bacteria.
6. Avoid wearing contact lenses while you are using medications or while you are experiencing symptoms. Make sure to clean contacts thoroughly!
7. If exposure to light is causing discomfort, try wearing sunglasses.
8. If symptoms include discharge, use clean tissues to wipe it away. Please make sure to discard tissues properly.

Prevention of Conjunctivitis:

Most forms of conjunctivitis are hard to prevent but there are steps that can be taken to decrease the risk of becoming re-infected or spreading it to someone else.

1. Never share eye make-up or cosmetics with anyone.
2. Never wear other peoples contact lenses or use any ones eye drops or other lens care solutions.
3. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
4. Wear eye protection when exposed to chemical irritants
5. Avoid swimming in non-chlorinated pools, lakes and ponds.
6. Do not use old medication for treating conjunctivitis.

Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Prescription antibiotic eye drops treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics; it must be fought by the body’s immune system. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent any residual bacterial infections.